The Trump administration has ordered the deployment of US marines to Los Angeles and has intensified raids on suspected undocumented immigrants, sparking outrage from protesters and Democratic leaders concerned about the situation escalating into a national crisis.

About 700 marines based in Southern California are expected to arrive in Los Angeles as part of a federal strategy to address street demonstrations opposing the immigration raids, a key focus of President Donald Trump's second term.

This deployment, although temporary, is an extraordinary use of military force to support a police operation, coming against the wishes of state and local leaders who did not request assistance.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has pledged to conduct more operations to round up suspected immigration violators, further fueling the protests.

The Trump administration has criticized the protests as lawless and blamed state and local Democrats for allowing upheaval and protecting undocumented immigrants in sanctuary cities.

California has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block the deployment of National Guard troops and marines, arguing that it violates federal law and state sovereignty.

Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed concern over the deployment of active-duty marines, calling it an unprecedented move that could turn a tense situation into a national crisis.

The deployment of marines was announced on the fourth consecutive day of protests in Los Angeles.

Police have started dispersing demonstrators outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles, where arrests have been made.

US marines are known for being the first to establish a beachhead in military interventions and the last to leave any occupation.

While the military has been deployed domestically for major disasters and attacks, using troops during civil disturbances is extremely rare.

Despite not invoking the Insurrection Act, President Trump has the authority to deploy marines under certain conditions of law or as commander in chief.

Protests have spread to other US cities, including New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, with clashes between police and protesters in some areas.

Homeland Security reported a significant increase in arrests of immigration offenders, vowing to intensify efforts in the coming days.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass opposed the crackdown, emphasizing the city's immigrant population, while Homeland Security Secretary Noem referred to them as criminals.